A 50-year-old West End man has died following what police describe as a targeted incident at a Ryan Street unit complex in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Emergency services responded to reports of an unconscious man at approximately 4:30am on 2 August, where they found the local resident unresponsive with critical injuries inside his unit. Despite valiant efforts by first responders, the man was declared deceased at the scene.
Detective Inspector Wayne Francis described the scene as traumatic for attending officers and paramedics, praising their efforts to save the man’s life under difficult conditions. The victim has yet to be formally identified, and police expect the investigation to continue for several days.
A crime scene has been established at the government-owned unit complex, with forensic teams conducting detailed examinations of the property and surrounding areas. Police observed a smashed window at the top-storey apartment, which Detective Inspector Francis confirmed forms part of their ongoing investigation.
Investigators believe the incident was targeted, with those involved known to each other. Detective Inspector Francis indicated that police are aware of other occupants being present at the unit the previous evening and are working to identify and speak with all relevant persons.
Local residents have expressed concern about the death occurring so close to their homes. One neighbour, who has lived in the area since 2015, reported previous disturbances at the unit complex, describing occasional street altercations and residents yelling outside the building.
Despite these concerns, police have assured the community there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the West End area. Crime statistics show West End experienced 735 theft cases in 2024, with overall crime increasing by 24.18% from 2023 to 2024 Crime rate in West End (Brisbane – Qld), QLD 4101, Australia – RedSuburbs, though violent offences remain relatively uncommon in the suburb.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Public Works, which owns the Ryan Street complex, expressed sadness at the death occurring at a social housing property. The department has committed to offering support to affected tenants whilst the police investigation continues.
Detective Inspector Francis has appealed for anyone with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from the Ryan Street vicinity overnight to contact police. The investigation remains active, with officers working to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Community members with information can contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges faced by social housing communities, though authorities stress this appears to be an isolated event between known parties rather than a random act of violence affecting the broader West End community.
Published 2-August-2025
